Oct 17, 2005

Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera Review

The new Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR's, an important difference when compared to the later is that the EOS 5D doesn't have any environmental seals. The 5D’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel single-plate CMOS sensor, coupled with the application of Canon’s EF mount, enables full utilization of all Canon EF autofocus lenses with full preservation of their original optical perspectives. While Canon doesn't specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a 'professional' digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

"Following our period of evaluation with the Canon EOS 5D, we can fully confirm that the camera is indeed all it’s slated to be. Images produced with the camera’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor were sharp and contained low noise. While the camera is not meant for speed, its 4-channel read out and DIGIC II processor handled volumes of large files with ease – processing 15 RAW images in under 22 seconds. However, the biggest surprise was the effectiveness of the newly implemented Picture Style settings. While it is slightly deceiving at first (since “0’s” are not equal to other “0” settings), the amount of control provided by the parameters was enlightening. Colors can be made to accurately reproduce the scene or slightly embellish the look and saturate the tones nicely, adding vibrancy. The design of the camera was easy to handle and fit my hands better than any Canon DSLR released to date. Other than a disappointing LCD screen and limited x-sync, the EOS 5D is about all consumers can ask for at a retail price of $3299. Currently, the 5D is truly without competition."

If you want a full-frame DSLR, and you're not a professional, this is the camera you want.